Quality Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Quality Manager / CMM Programmer

Job Description

This full-time, on-site role combines quality management and CMM programming within a precision CNC machining environment in Santa Ana, California. You will lead quality activities for a growing machine shop, ensure compliance with aerospace and other highly regulated industry standards, and perform advanced CMM and dimensional inspections on complex machined components.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the quality function within a precision CNC machining operation, ensuring consistent adherence to customer and industry requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve quality systems that comply with AS9100 and other applicable standards for aerospace, defense, medical, and similar highly regulated industries.
• Program and operate CMM equipment using software such as Calypso, Zeiss, PC-DMIS, or similar tools to perform precise dimensional inspections.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), to ensure accurate inspection and verification of machined parts.
• Perform and oversee CMM inspection and dimensional inspection activities, including the interpretation and validation of inspection reports.
• Lead and execute first article inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102 requirements, ensuring thorough documentation and customer compliance.
• Prepare for and support customer audits, including aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, by demonstrating robust quality systems and documentation.
• Manage corrective action systems by leading root cause investigations, defining corrective and preventive actions, and verifying their effectiveness.
• Oversee supplier quality and special process compliance, ensuring that suppliers meet required standards and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Collaborate closely with machining, deburr, quality, and shipping teams to resolve quality issues and improve processes across the shop.
• Utilize ERP and quality management software systems to document inspections, track nonconformances, and maintain quality records.
• Communicate clearly with internal teams and customers regarding quality issues, inspection results, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to quality personnel, fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of quality leadership experience in a CNC machining environment supporting aerospace, defense, medical, or other highly regulated industries.
• Proven experience managing quality systems within a precision machining operation.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 requirements and their practical implementation in a machine shop environment.
• Hands-on experience with CMM inspection and dimensional inspection, including interpretation of inspection reports.
• Advanced understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, geometric tolerancing, and machining processes.
• Experience performing first article inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102.
• Experience supporting customer audits and managing corrective action systems.
• Demonstrated success leading root cause investigations and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience programming and operating CMMs, including CMM programming with Calypso and Zeiss or similar platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace and defense customers such as major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• ASQ certifications such as CQE, CQM, CQA, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Experience with Zeiss CMMs, PC-DMIS, Calypso, or similar inspection software.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Digital Product Definition (DPD).
• Experience working with customer-specific quality requirements in aerospace and related industries.
• Experience managing supplier quality and special process compliance.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and quality management software.
• Experience in a machine shop environment with exposure to deburr, quality, and shipping operations.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing, mid-sized machining organization with a collaborative team and supportive ownership focused on long-term success. The company maintains strong relationships with major aerospace and defense customers, offering exposure to complex, high-value projects and opportunities to expand your technical expertise. You will work closely with experienced machinists and programmers in an environment that values quality, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

Work Environment

The role is based on-site in a mid-sized machine shop in Santa Ana, California, employing around 45 staff and continuing to grow. The machining team consists of approximately 25 individuals, including 4–5 programmers, supported by deburr, quality, and shipping departments. This is a full-time day shift position, typically running from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You will work in a precision CNC machining environment that utilizes CMM equipment and advanced inspection software such as Calypso, Zeiss, and PC-DMIS, alongside ERP and quality management systems. The setting is a hands-on production floor and quality lab environment where collaboration with machinists, programmers, and other support teams is part of daily operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Ana, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

medical and dental PTO and sick pay

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Ana,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 4, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.